Today Chair of the Bar Council, Kirsty Brimelow KC, met with Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy MP, and Justice Minister Sarah Sackman MP. They discussed the justice system, criminal court reform proposals and the workforce. @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social

Please write to your local MP to voice your concern on the government's plan to restrict jury trials. Our updated template letter now includes the latest data from the Institute for Government and our response to Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s report. Download the letter: https://bit.ly/4bKjRPs

Talk to Spot is a secure online tool to support anyone working at and around the Bar to confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate or abusive behaviours. Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4prP7qk

Good morning indeed! We are in full flow and our Chair is outlining the full programme of work being done for barristers. Note for diary: 14 November 2026 is Bar Conference! And a heads up from me as Chair of the Law Reform Committee is that our annual lecture will be held on 2 July. More to follow.

Good morning from a drizzly London for our first #BarCouncil meeting of 2026. Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social welcomes everyone to the meeting. We’ll be sharing highlights and key points in this 🧵

Our race equality toolkit was designed to support the Bar in taking effective action toward race equality. It breaks down the actions for chambers and organisations to take, as well as sharing good practice ideas and resources. Download from the ethics and practice hub ➡️ https://bit.ly/4agRdmB

In this blog, policy analyst Nell Ferrall summarises the thoughts of a recent panel discussion on how and when evaluation beyond the court room might assist parties in resolving a dispute and in turn, achieve quicker, more affordable justice. Read the blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4rqgod6

IIf you are looking for support, there are a range of places that offer help including the Bar Council's Health Assured Assistance Programme, LawCare and national charities like Mind. You can find resources, stories and advice on Wellbeing at the Bar ➡️ https://bit.ly/4r63v8s #TimeToTalkDay

Sir Brian Leveson has published Part 2 of his independent review of criminal courts and put forward recommendations to address the deep and sustained failures within the criminal justice system, brought about by a slash and burn approach to its funding needs. Read our response ⬇️ bit.ly/3NVnBDI

Visited Liverpool Crown Court as part of a Court Constituency Day with @thebarcouncil.bsky.social. Message was clear: scrapping jury trials won’t fix delays. Liverpool’s low backlog & strong workplace culture show what’s possible & what should be replicated nationally. #JusticeNeedsJuries

Today we are hosting MPs in courts across England and Wales to give them an opportunity to talk to circuit leaders, barristers and court staff about the backlogs and wider criminal justice system issues. Follow the day ⬇️

Please write to your MP and ask them to attend our lobby day in Westminster on Tuesday 3 February to discuss the issues and concerns around the government’s proposal to restrict the right to jury trial. Find your MP: https://bit.ly/4qL44UW Thank you for your support #JusticeNeedsJuries

The Bar Council of England and Wales extends a hand of support across the Atlantic to colleagues who are being targeted" says Kirsty Brimelow KC, offering support to US lawyers and to mark the Day of the Endangered Lawyer today. Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qw00I6 @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social

Our range of conferences, seminars, workshops and training courses are designed to support you and your professional development. Subscribe to receive our weekly 'What's on' events listing and our monthly training and events newsletter, straight to your inbox: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...

Save the date: Saturday 14 November | in person | London Join us for Bar Conference 2026. Sign up to be the first to hear when tickets are released: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/bar-conference-2026.html

"David Lammy’s plans to introduce judge-only criminal trials in England and Wales will save less than 2% of time in crown courts, the Institute for Government has said." Read the Guardian article on the IFG report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b8RNEY

Do you want to be part of supporting rule of law initiatives internationally? Can you help develop opportunities for collaboration and training around the world? We’re looking for 4 new practising barristers to join our International Committee. Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3w9fAlL

In her third week as Chair of the Bar Council, Kirsty Brimelow KC met with Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, Advocate General for Scotland and with justice minister Jake Richards MP. @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social

Welcome Dame Maria Miller DBE, the Bar’s first Commissioner for Conduct. The former Women and Equalities Committee Chair, who was awarded a damehood for her work on equality matters, will lead our work to eradicate bullying and harassment at the Bar. Read more⤵️ https://bit.ly/4qovxvw

Our anti-racist training is available for all barristers and chambers staff. Chambers can book a group session, at a time and date to suit. Or you can book our scheduled 'Introduction to race training' taking place on Thursday 29 January. Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...

The jury trial as currently constituted reflects the legal history, tradition and culture of England and Wales. We stand firm in protecting it from further unnecessary erosion. Read more in Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC's letter to the Guardian⬇️ https://bit.ly/462Bq9t

Get to know new Bar Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC in her first Counsel article as she tells Frances Gibb about her 2026 priorities, career highlights and passion for making changes for the better. Read Kirsty's full interview ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pBBRhX

Join our popular ethical dilemmas webinar. Our experienced Ethics Committee members will share common scenarios, and how to manage them while maintaining ethical independence. Book your free place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/maintaining-ethical-independence.html

Our Chambers Training Package is an easy and cost-effective way for you to book training for your chambers. Choose a plan to suit your chamber's needs and meet your CPD requirements. Find out more: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/training-and-workshops/chambers-training-package.html

On the latest episode of A Lawyer Talks, Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC discusses our 'principled and pragmatic' opposition to the government's proposal to curtail the right to jury trial. Kirsty also sets out her priorities for 2026 - from children in the justice system to the protection of lawyers.

Read @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social full speech from last night's inaugural address ⬇️

Protecting jury trials, increasing legal aid investment across jurisdictions, and youth justice were some of the 2026 priorities set out by new Chair of the Bar, Kirsty Brimelow KC, at her inaugural address last night. Read the highlights and the full address ➡️ https://bit.ly/453OoUc

Welcome Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar 2026. This evening she is making her inaugural address at Gray's Inn, setting out her priorities for 2026. Highlights from her speech and a full recording will be available later this week. @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social

Are you subscribed to BarTalk? Our fortnightly email is full of news and opinion from the Bar. We cover issues affecting the Bar and wider legal profession including public affairs, guides and policies and more. Subscribe now: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campaigns/newsletters/bartalk.html

Applying for pupillage? Join our Instagram broadcast channel to get tips, resources and advice straight to your inbox to help you with your application. Join here ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbZhTEskjXyj3hE3/

Early start @skynewsrss.bsky.social on the Bar Council’s opposition to reducing jury trials (7.45 am). Also spoke on my priority to stamp out bullying, sexual harassment & harassment at the Bar & implementation of the Harman review on Woman’s Hour (10.30 am). Leaving Millbank & into the rain…

Today, Chair of the Bar Council Kirsty Brimelow KC visited Woolwich Crown Court to meet with George Penny, barrister and court representative, and South Eastern Circuit leader Claire Davies KC. They discussed the impact of current court backlogs and the Leveson review.

New Chair of the Bar Council Kirsty Brimelow KC has said it isn't too late for the government to change course on curtailing jury trials. Speaking to The Times, she made clear that the Bar Council "fundamentally disagrees" with the proposal. Read the full interview ➡️ https://bit.ly/4svNARP

An Opposition Day debate in Parliament is being held today on jury trials – please write to your local MP now to encourage them to attend the debate as MPs will vote on this motion. We’ve drafted a template message for you to send to your local MP. Please use or adapt the template as you wish⬇️

Could you provide high quality legal work experience this summer? The 10KBI programme aims to address the underrepresentation of Black talent across various sectors through the provision of paid internships to Black aspiring professionals. Find out how to get involved⤵️ https://bit.ly/4prbR9a

TODAY 14:30 in Parliament: the new Chair of the Bar Council, Kirsty Brimelow KC, will appear alongside the Law Society and Legal Aid Practitioners Group at the Justice Committee session on access to justice and legal aid. Watch online live from this webpage: committees.parliament.uk/event/25811

📢 Our Pupillage Gateway is now open. Remember the application window is slightly shorter this year. Your applications must be submitted by 11.59pm on Thursday 22 January: https://www.pupillagegateway.com/for-applicants.html Good luck to all aspiring barristers.

🗓️ Looking to get a head start on your training for 2026? Our calendar is full of training courses, conferences and events to help you complete your CPD. Book your training: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar.html Subscribe to the BRF to receive 20% off all training and events.

🔊Listen: our incoming Chair @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social spoke to BBC Radio 4 Today to explain why we oppose the Government's plans to curtail jury trials. #justiceneedsjuries Listen to the whole interview here (scroll to 53:26): www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Kirsty Brimelow KC begins her year-long term as Chair of the Bar Council today (1 January 2026), succeeding Barbara Mills KC. Kirsty practises in criminal, international and public law from Doughty Street Chambers. Read more about @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/kir...

New research by the Law Society shows solicitors face threats just for doing their jobs. Law Society President Mark Evans said the survey showed "intimidation towards solicitors is alarmingly commonplace". Read Mark’s guest blog for the Bar Council ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b0Y59r

The Four Bars are deeply concerned that the government is planning to restrict the right to a jury trial in England and Wales. We stand as one in opposition to this proposal. Legislation is still some time away - the government has time to listen to the views we express and to change course.

🎄Our office will be closed from 5pm, Tues 23 Dec & will reopen at 9am, Mon 5 Jan. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, your mental health might be affected by the occasion. If you need support over the break, follow the link: https://bit.ly/3VxzI8h We wish you a restful Christmas & Happy New Year

Our Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Working Group, Regulation Panel and Ethics Committee have responded to HM Treasury reform on AML and counter-terrorism financing, and to the Legal Ombudsman on its business plan and budget. Read our press release and submissions➡️ https://bit.ly/4p62xY3

The Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) is recruiting for new members to help us champion and support junior barristers. The deadline for applications is Monday 12 January 2026. Find out how to apply on our website ➡️ https://bit.ly/3w9fAlL

🏆And the winner of our essay competition is... Wasim Iqbal. Congratulations 🎉 Hear why Wasim chose the subject for his essay, how he feels to have won, and why you should enter next year. Wasim's essay is available to read on the Counsel magazine website: www.counselmagazine.co.uk/articles/bar...

🏆 Congratulations to Jessikah Inaba, this year's runner-up in our 'Law reform essay competition.' Jessikah's essay is available to read on our website: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/i-am-a-pupil-barrister/law-reform-essay-competition/winners.html

HHJ Christopher Kinch KC's new opinion piece argues that the government's argument on curtailing the right to jury trials falls short on evidence and analysis, ignoring practical answers that would do much more to 'restore trust' and 'prevent collapse'. Read on: https://bit.ly/3YBdS7u

Know someone making a real impact through pro bono? Nominations for the 2026 Bar Pro Bono Awards are open. Help recognise pro bono contributions across the Bar as Advocate marks 30 years of supporting access to justice. Deadline: 30 Jan 2026 Nominate: weareadvocate.org.uk/resources-fo...

🏆Congratulations to 4 of our 'Law reform essay competition' entrants. Jack Clayton, Dominic Goodall, Niccola Parkes, and Yousif Shami received a highly commended award in our competition this year. All of their essays are available to read on our website: www.barcouncil.org.uk/becoming-a-b...